The Hindu Goddess Shridevi

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The Hindu Goddess Shridevi

India, Tamil Nadu, 13th century
Sculpture
Copper alloy
32 1/2 x 12 x 5 3/4 in. (82.55 x 30.48 x 14.6 cm)
Gift of Anna Bing Arnold (M.70.5.2)
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

These separate copper alloy (bronze) representations of the Hindu god Vishnu flanked by his wives Shridevi (or Lakshmi) and the earth goddess Bhudevi form a Vaishnava matrimonial triad (M.70.5.1-.3)....
These separate copper alloy (bronze) representations of the Hindu god Vishnu flanked by his wives Shridevi (or Lakshmi) and the earth goddess Bhudevi form a Vaishnava matrimonial triad (M.70.5.1-.3). Originally made as processional images, each deity stands on a double lotus base cut with holes for attaching them to the support poles. Shridevi stands on Vishnu’s right side, as indicated by her posture and arm positions. She has a conical crown and abundant jewelry, including a distinctive necklace between and beneath her breasts (mangala sutra). She stands with her left leg slightly bent (kuncitapada) and her hip thrust to her right. She wears a breastband (kucchabandha), and a striped lower garment (antariya). Her left hand is in the gesture of holding a pink lotus flower (kataka mudra). Her right arm dangles along her outer side. Shridevi is distinguished from her counterpart, Bhudevi, by her slightly slenderer physique.
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Bibliography

  • El Universo de la India: Obras Maestras del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Angeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, 2012.

  • Pal, Pratapaditya. Indian Sculpture, vol.2. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; University of California Press, 1988.